NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark woman has been arrested after allegedly fabricating a package theft in an attempt to receive a refund, authorities said.
Joy Rodriguez, 45, reported to Newark Police that her package had been stolen from the mailroom of her North Ward residence on Feb. 14, officials said.
Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed Rodriguez picking up the package, concealing it, and taking a photograph of the empty location to make it appear as if the package had been stolen, authorities said. She then returned to her apartment with the package, which was valued at approximately $247.62.
Rodriguez allegedly attempted to file a claim with Amazon’s customer service department but was informed that a police report was required, officials said. She was arrested on Feb. 25 and charged with theft by deception, forgery, false swearing, evidence tampering with fabrication, and false reports to law enforcement.
Authorities say Rodriguez’s attempt to claim a refund was exposed through surveillance footage, leading to her arrest.